Larger, restricted and AR firms more consistent on suitability - FCA

Advice found to be 'suitable' in 93.1% of cases

Tom Ellis
clock • 3 min read

The regulator has found larger, restricted and firms tied to networks to be more consistent in providing suitable advice than their smaller, independent and directly authorised counterparts.

In its latest suitability review the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it was pleased to find advice given by regulated financial advisers was suitable in 93.1% of the cases but found slight variances in the types of firms it regulates. The regulator had assessed 1,142 individual pieces of advice given by 656 firms against its suitability and disclosure rules.  It found restricted advisers were more likely to give suitable advice than their independent counterparts, while appointed representatives (AR) of networks also fared better than advisers who were directly authorised.  ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Changes are still currently only at proposal stage

Paul Bruns
clock 10 August 2026 • 5 min read
How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

FCA released two reports to mark the third birthday of Consumer Duty

Alison Gay
clock 31 July 2026 • 4 min read
Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

'We shouldn't solve one problem by creating another'

Andy Wealthall
clock 30 July 2026 • 4 min read